The Best Daycare Centers in Columbus, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Columbus. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Columbus
The Goddard School of Polaris
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Polaris offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning alongside academic preparation, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Primrose School of Polaris
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Polaris follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and age-separated playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive extensive training in the Primrose curriculum. The school offers healthy meals and snacks prepared on-site and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Parents receive regular updates through the Primrose Schools app with photos and developmental milestones tracking.
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La Petite Academy of Columbus
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Columbus provides comprehensive early education with their Links to Learning® curriculum that focuses on school readiness skills. The program emphasizes literacy development, math concepts, and social skills through structured learning centers. The facility includes secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and dedicated learning spaces for art, music, and movement. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The academy offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals through their partnership with a professional food service. Their school-age program includes homework assistance and enrichment activities for children through 12 years old.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Columbus, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Columbus, Ohio?
In Columbus, the average cost of full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. These rates can vary significantly based on the neighborhood (e.g., more expensive in areas like Dublin or Upper Arlington), the type of facility (corporate chain vs. in-home licensed provider), and the program's amenities. It's important to note that Ohio offers assistance through programs like the Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program, which can help eligible families in Franklin County offset these costs based on income and family size.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Ohio?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Columbus, must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their full compliance history, including any inspection reports and violations, for free on the **Ohio Child Care Search** website. Simply search by the provider's name, location, or type. This tool is crucial for parents to see if a center has had serious violations related to health, safety, or staff-to-child ratios. You can also contact the local ODJFS office for Franklin County for additional assistance.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Columbus, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms at highly-rated centers in popular Columbus neighborhoods like Clintonville, Grandview Heights, and the Short North. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool spots, 3 to 6 months is often sufficient. Many centers have non-refundable waitlist fees. To manage this, parents often tour and apply to multiple centers. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can also be a good alternative, as they may have shorter wait times.
What are the key differences between a childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Columbus?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Childcare Centers** are facilities in commercial or institutional buildings, often with multiple classrooms divided by age. They typically have larger staffs, more structured curricula, and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens or playgrounds. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, caring for a maximum of 6 children (with no more than 3 under age 2) unless they have an assistant. They often offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with more flexible hours and potentially lower costs. Both are licensed by the state, but homes have different ratio and space requirements. The right choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's schedule and preferences.
Does the City of Columbus or Franklin County offer any resources or referral services to help parents find childcare?
Yes, an excellent free resource is **Action for Children**, the designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Franklin County. They maintain a comprehensive database of licensed providers, offer personalized referrals based on your location, schedule, and child's age, and provide guidance on quality indicators and financial assistance options. They also host workshops and can help you understand Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system, which is a voluntary star-rated program that helps identify higher-quality programs. You can access their services online or by calling their referral line.